How to Make Castile Soap Multi-Surface Cleaning Spray

Castile soap has become a popular natural cleaning ingredient in recent years. Made from vegetable oils, castile soap is gentle, versatile, and effective for cleaning all kinds of surfaces in your home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own DIY multi-surface castile soap spray cleaner.

Benefits of Castile Soap for Cleaning

Castile soap offers some great advantages when used as a natural cleaning product:

Biodegradable and Sustainable – Castile soap is made from plant-based oils like olive, coconut and palm. It breaks down fully in the environment.
Non-Toxic – With no harsh chemicals, artificial dyes or added perfumes, castile soap is safe to use around kids and pets.
Gentle – The vegetable oil base means castile soap is much less drying than regular detergent cleaners.
Versatile – Castile soap can be used to clean floors, countertops, windows, appliances and more.
Cost-Effective – A little castile soap goes a long way, making it very affordable.

How to Make Simple Castile Soap Spray

Making your own multi-surface castile soap spray is easy. Here are the simple steps:

Ingredients

2 cups water
1/4 cup castile soap
10-15 drops essential oil (optional)

Supplies

Spray bottle
Funnel (optional)

Instructions

Add the water to your empty spray bottle. A 16 oz bottle is a good size.
Use a funnel to slowly pour in the castile soap. The bottle should be about 3/4 full now.
Add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil if you want a nice scent. Good options are lemon, lavender or tea tree oil.
Put the spray nozzle on and shake vigorously to combine the ingredients.

It’s that easy! Your castile soap spray is now ready to use on all kinds of surfaces.

How to Use Castile Soap Multi-Surface Spray

Castile soap spray can be used to clean almost any water-safe surface in your home. Here are some tips:

Lightly mist the surface with the soap spray. Start with just a small amount.
Using a clean microfiber cloth or sponge, wipe the surface to distribute the soap.
Scrub gently if needed to lift dirt and grime. Castile soap helps break down oils.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth and allow to air dry.
For glass, stainless steel or mirrors, buff with a dry cloth for streak-free shine.

Some specific uses for castile soap spray:

Kitchen Cleaning

Spray counters, backsplashes and appliances.
Mist inside microwaves and ovens then wipe clean.
Spray and scrub sinks, faucets and garbage cans.

Bathroom Surfaces

Clean mirrors, shower doors, tile and fixtures.
Spray inside toilets and scrub with a brush.
Freshen up laminate countertops and drawers.

Floors

Damp mop hardwood, laminate, tile and vinyl floors.
Mist and scrub bathroom and kitchen floors.

Other Home Surfaces

Wipe down baseboards and door frames.
Clean stainless appliances, washer/dryer exteriors and more.
Dust and clean blinds, windowsills and window exteriors.

Helpful Tips for Using Castile Soap Spray

Follow these tips to get the most out of your homemade castile soap cleaner:

Shake well before each use to mix the ingredients.
For tough jobs, let the spray sit for a few minutes before wiping.
Try to use distilled white vinegar on hard water spots and soap scum.
Buff stainless steel and glass with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
Re-spray and wipe again if any soap residue is left behind.
Increase castile soap amount for more cleaning power on extra dirty surfaces.
Decrease castile soap if you notice streaking or residue building up.
Store spray in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life. Should last at least 3 months.

Benefits of Using Castile Soap vs Chemical Cleaners

Switching to castile soap spray offers advantages over traditional chemical cleaners in many ways:

Safer for Health

No fumes or harsh chemicals if accidentally ingested. Safe around kids and pets.
Reduced exposure to toxic ingredients found in many commercial cleaners.

Eco-Friendly

Castile soap and ingredients like vinegar and water are biodegradable.
No plastic waste compared to disposable wipes or chemical cleaners.
Greener manufacturing processes used to make plant-based castile soap.

Cost Savings

Castile soap concentrate is very affordable at less than $1 per ounce.
A homemade 32 oz spray bottle costs just pennies per bottle to make.
No need to buy multiple specialized cleaners for different uses.

Cleaning Power

Castile soap is a degreasing detergent made from vegetable oils.
Effective at breaking down oils, grease, grime and dirt with some elbow grease.
Cleans as well or better than many commercial cleaners.

Popular Castile Soap Brands

When making your own castile soap spray, look for a high quality castile soap concentrate. Here are some top brands to try:

Dr. Bronner’s

One of the most popular castile soap brands.
Available in unscented Baby formula or a range of essential oil scents.
Fair trade and organic ingredients. Liquid and bar soap options.

Charlie’s Soap

Concentrated castile liquid soap formula.
Available unscented or in lavender, citrus or other fragrances.
Reputable company that specializes in castile soap products.

Tree to Tub Soapberry Castile Soap

Made from soapberry fruit instead of vegetable oils.
Organic, vegan and cruelty-free formula.
Sold as concentrated liquid soap or multipurpose bar.

Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Soap

Made from coconut oil for great lather.
Biodegradable and cruelty-free.
Sold as bars and liquid concentrate.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Castile Soap

Plant-derived soap infused with essential oils.
Range of scents like lavender, lemon verbena and basil.
Dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free formula.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best castile soap to use for cleaning?

Look for high-quality concentrated liquid castile soap from reputable brands like Dr. Bronner’s, Charlie’s Soap or Kirk’s. Make sure it’s labeled as a multi-purpose cleaner.

Does castile soap disinfect surfaces?

No, castile soap does not have disinfecting properties. It cleans surfaces by breaking down oils and grime but does not kill germs.

Can you use castile soap on hardwood floors?

Yes, castile soap makes an excellent natural cleaner for hardwood. Just a small amount of diluted castile soap can clean floors without leaving buildup or residue.

What ratio of castile soap to water should be used?

For an all-purpose spray, a 1:16 ratio or 1 ounce soap per 16 ounces water is ideal. Adjust up or down based on cleaning needs.

Is castile soap better than dish soap for cleaning?

Castile soap is generally preferable as it’s made for multi-surface cleaning. Dish soap may leave more residue. But both can work well when diluted properly.

Can I use vinegar with castile soap?

Yes, vinegar is safe to use with castile soap. The combination helps cut through grease, soap scum and mineral deposits.

Does castile soap expire?

When properly stored, castile soap concentrate lasts 2-5 years. The diluted cleaning spray lasts at least 3 months in a cool, dark place.

Can I use essential oils to scent my castile soap spray?

Yes, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil like lemon, lavender or tea tree. This provides a light scent.

Conclusion

Making your own multi-surface castile soap spray is an easy, affordable and effective way to keep your home naturally clean. By following the simple recipe and usage tips above, you can harness the cleaning power of vegetable-oil based castile soap. Ditch the harsh chemical cleaners and enjoy peace of mind with this non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solution that works on floors, counters, appliances and more. Experiment with different castile soap brands and essential oil scents to find your favorite combination.